Gerunds in English Grammar
1. What is the Gerund?
A gerund is a verb in its -ing (present participle) form that functions as a noun.
2. Form
infinitive + –ing
3. Examples
Gerund as Subject:
Swimming is fun.
Gerund as Object:
I enjoy swimming.
4. Gerund after the following verbs
admit
He admitted having an affair.
avoid
She avoided meeting me at the party.
carry on
If we carry on talking maybe he will go away.
consider
I am considering moving to America.
delay
I delayed starting the meeting until he arrived.
deny
She denies stealing the money.
discuss
We discussed having a baby together.
dislike
I dislike doing the washing up.
can’t/couldn’t help
He couldn’t help falling in love with her.
enjoy
I enjoy playing football.
finish
We finished working for the day.
give up
Susan gave up waiting for him.
imagine
He imagined winning the lottery.
include
Your responsibilities include meeting the hotels guests.
involve
The job involves working at night.
justify
I cannot justify asking for a pay increase.
keep (on)
He kept on working although he was ill.
mention
Did she ever mention missing me?
mind
I didn’t mind waiting in the rain.
miss
They miss living in London.
practise
She practises playing the piano every day.
recommend
They recommended staying at the new hotel.
regret*
Do you regret having mentioned it?
suggest
He suggested trying the new restaurant.
* After regret the to-infinitive is used when announcing bad news: We regret to inform you the match has been cancelled.
5. Gerund after special phrases
to be busy
He is busy reading the paper.
don’t mind
I don’t mind telling them my opinion.
feel like
We feel like having a cup of tea.
how about
How about walking home instead of taking the car?
it’s (no) good
It’s no good talking to this girl.
it’s no use
It’s no use talking to the headmaster.
spend one’s time
They spend their time reading.
there’s no
There’s no cheating anymore.
there’s no point
There’s no point in complaining further.
what about
What about going to the zoo?
worth
The book is worth reading.